Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort isn’t afraid of making big, bold moves. From new lands to headline-grabbing attractions, the resort has proven it’s willing to evolve even its most beloved areas. That fearless approach is both exciting and nerve-racking for longtime fans.
The newest target? A classic attraction in Universal’s Jurassic Park section. Starting in 2026, guests will see one of the most significant shake-ups the park has made in years—and many are worried it could spell the end of an original favorite.
The Classic Jurassic Park Section
Step through the massive gates of Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and you’re instantly transported to a world inspired by the 1993 blockbuster. The land is full of nods to the original film, from the iconic visitor center façade to the lush greenery that makes you feel like dinosaurs could be around every corner.
For years, it has stood as a tribute to Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking story, striking a balance between nostalgia and thrilling attractions. Among those rides, one has always towered above the rest as the centerpiece of the land.
Jurassic Park River Adventure’s Legacy
Since opening with Islands of Adventure in 1999, Jurassic Park River Adventure has been a rite of passage for visitors. The boat ride takes guests on what begins as a calm river tour of gentle herbivores before things inevitably go sideways.
Dinosaurs break loose, alarms blare, and riders find themselves face-to-face with a ferocious T. rex before plunging down an 85-foot waterfall. It’s thrilling, cinematic, and has earned its place as one of Universal Orlando Resort’s most iconic rides. For many fans, it’s a must-do every visit.
The Massive Closure Ahead
Universal has now confirmed that Jurassic Park River Adventure will close for an “extended refurbishment” starting January 5, 2026, and lasting until November 19, 2026. Nearly a full year of downtime has sparked intense speculation.
After all, rides don’t disappear for ten months just to get a few cosmetic updates or a fresh coat of paint. This timeline suggests something much larger—something transformative.
Expect Major Changes
When an attraction goes dark for close to a year, guests don’t expect to see the same ride return untouched. A closure of this scale almost guarantees big upgrades. Universal has framed it as an effort to “enhance” the experience, which to many suggests that the company is preparing to reinvent the ride for today’s audiences.
While the idea of updated technology and effects is exciting, it also raises questions about how much of the original River Adventure will remain.
Enter Jurassic World
There’s no denying that the Jurassic World films have reshaped the franchise for a new generation. Universal already dipped into that territory with the addition of VelociCoaster in 2021. The roller coaster, themed entirely around Jurassic World, quickly became one of the park’s biggest draws.
It also stood out as a sign that Universal is leaning into the newer films while still maintaining the Jurassic Park branding. That mix of old and new has worked so far, but River Adventure might be next in line to cross over fully.
Hollywood’s Blueprint
For proof, fans only need to look west. At Universal Studios Hollywood, the original Jurassic Park: The Ride underwent a complete makeover in 2019, reemerging as Jurassic World: The Ride.
That version kept the same general structure—a boat tour with a dramatic drop at the end—but swapped in new story elements, updated effects, and appearances from Jurassic World’s Indominus rex. It’s flashier, it leans heavily on the newer movies, and it marks a very different experience from the classic ride many Orlando fans know and love.
Could Orlando Follow Suit?
It doesn’t take much imagination to see Orlando’s River Adventure heading down the same path. A 10-month closure lines up perfectly with the scale of work needed to reimagine the ride in Hollywood’s style.
Some fans believe Orlando could even end up with an almost identical clone of Jurassic World: The Ride, complete with updated animatronics, digital effects, and new show scenes. That possibility excites moviegoers who grew up with the Jurassic World trilogy—but longtime Universal purists aren’t so sure.
Fan Concerns Mirror Disney Trends
The idea of replacing or modernizing a beloved classic is a sensitive one. Disney fans have seen similar moves in recent years, with older attractions revamped to align with newer films. While those projects often bring in stunning upgrades, they also tend to divide audiences.
Universal now seems poised to walk that same line. For River Adventure loyalists, the thought of losing the pure Jurassic Park theming feels like losing a piece of the park’s history. On the other hand, Universal has shown it isn’t afraid to gamble big if it means keeping rides relevant for the next generation.
A Ride’s Future, Forever Altered
At this point, it’s still speculation. Universal hasn’t revealed exactly what the overhaul will entail, only that the closure will be one of the longest refurbishments in recent memory. Yet with Hollywood’s Jurassic World: The Ride as a ready-made template, and with Orlando already embracing Jurassic World in other areas, the writing feels clear.
The Jurassic Park River Adventure, as we know it, is standing at the edge of extinction. Fans may ride it for the last time in 2025 before it returns in a radically new form.
A River of Change
Universal Orlando is no stranger to change, but the looming closure of Jurassic Park River Adventure feels different. It’s not just routine maintenance—it’s a near year-long pause that points to something permanent.
Whether the ride emerges as a refreshed tribute to the original or a wholesale Jurassic World replacement, one thing is certain: the attraction that has thrilled guests for decades won’t return the same.
For now, all fans can do is wait and wonder what form their beloved river adventure will take when it finally reopens in November 2026.